Bumpy Johnson

Bumpy Johnson was many things in his life, to many people. He was a stick up man, a burglar, a pimp, a drug dealer, a numbers runner, a bookmaker, a hood and a thug. He was also a husband and a father and a doting grandfather. He was the conduit between Harlem and the Genovese Crime Family. He was a respected friend of Lucky Luciano. He was a man of Harlem, giving to the needy, the hungry, and children. He was a staunch advocate for education, urging neighborhood children to stay in school and make something of themselves. He was a friend to the actors, starlets, and musicians who came from Harlem and who spent their late nights partying there. He spent time with the activists of the era, such as Malcolm X. He was a legend, all of Harlem knew him, many of Harlem still do.